Hammersmith Academy has been recognised for leading the way in financial Education by Young Enterprise. 

Hammersmith Academy has been recognised as a Young Enterprise Centre of Excellence for Financial Education, a national accolade that celebrates commitment to equipping students with essential financial skills and knowledge.

The Centre of Excellence status is awarded to schools that excel in delivering financial education, as outlined in the Young Money Improvement Framework, a set of professional standards designed to promote excellence. Achieving this recognition required Hammersmith Academy to meet a robust set of criteria focused on five key areas:

• Leadership and Management: Demonstrating a strong vision and commitment to financial education at all levels of the Academy.
• Teaching and Learning: Implementing creative, engaging, and effective lessons that inspire students to learn about managing money.
• Pupil Assessment and Involvement: Actively involving students in their learning journey and assessing their understanding and progress.
• Staff Development: Ensuring educators are fully equipped with the skills and confidence to deliver high-quality financial education.
• Sharing Financial Education: Encouraging collaboration and sharing best practice with other schools and within the community.

This recognition would not have been possible without the outstanding leadership and vision of Mr Da Cunha, who has created and overseen Hammersmith Academy’s innovative financial literacy curriculum. Mr Da Cunha’s dedication to empowering students with lifelong financial skills has been transformative. The programme ensures that every student, from Year 7 through to Year 13, receives lessons tailored to their age and stage of life.

The curriculum begins with foundational skills such as how to start saving and progresses to more complex topics like managing student finances at university and personal finance management. This comprehensive approach ensures that our students are not only prepared for their immediate challenges but are also equipped to navigate the financial complexities of adulthood with confidence.

At the heart of this achievement is our commitment to ensuring that young people leave Hammersmith Academy with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to make informed and independent financial decisions. Our financial education programme prioritises real-world applications, preparing students to manage their personal finances, understand credit and savings, and plan for their financial future.

This accomplishment is not only a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff but also reflects the enthusiasm and engagement of our students. Throughout this process, we have strived to build a curriculum that is both practical and empowering, giving young people the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly complex financial landscape.

We are incredibly proud to join a select group of schools recognised as Centres of Excellence by Young Enterprise. This award inspires us to continue innovating and leading in financial education, ensuring our students are well-prepared for life’s challenges and opportunities ahead.